Animal Care Technician 1

Are you someone who has an interest in science, a love for animals, and values being a good team member? Do you enjoy hands on work, learning new things, and are you looking for a career with a purpose? If so, we want to hear from you!

The Location: Taconic Biosciences is seeking Animal Care Technicians to join our dedicated operations team at the Germantown, NY site. Our animal care team is passionate about the Taconic mission, collaborative, energetic, and positive.

The Pay Range: $20 per hour. Exact compensation may vary based on several factors. These factors include geographic location, experience, training, education, and local market conditions and could exceed the advertised salary range.

The Schedule: Shifts starting as early as 5:00am. Rotating weekends once trained with a pay differential included. Overtime available to meet business needs.
Do you have time constraints? Let us know and we will explore if we can accommodate your scheduling needs!

What we offer:

• Insurance within 30 days or less which includes options for medical, dental, vision, pet insurance and more!
• 20 days paid time off plus 6 additional holidays and 1 floating holiday
• Work life balance
• 401(k) plan with up to 4% employer match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Career advancement opportunities
• Commitment to training and providing you with the skills you need for success
• All employees receive access to 24/7 telemedicine (including mental health), short- and long-term disability and life insurance

If you are looking for a rewarding career and the opportunity to grow, apply today!

The Role:
Animal Care Technicians begin with Taconic Biosciences as an Animal Care Technician 1 in our dedicated training program, learning Taconic processes and the basics of animal husbandry. Through the completion of training, Animal Care Technicians will progress through their career into Animal Care Technician 2, Animal Care Technician 3, and up to a Senior Specialist level! Your growth is based on skills and behaviors you obtain and apply to your everyday work and your manager will support you through regular check ins, ensuring you have the support you need to succeed!

What you will learn in training:

• The basics of animal husbandry: How to provide water and food, and clean cages
• How to hold a mouse and/or rat
• How to gown up in the uniform provided and why it is important
• How to work within a barrier or isolator environment, and the differences between these two environments
• How to understand and read an SOP
• How to document work, order supplies and use Taconic systems
• About health statuses and how to maintain them
• How to take samples for quality control

You may be a fit for this position if you:

• Grew up on a farm or around animals
• Have worked in a kennel or veterinary office
• Have provided childcare through babysitting or working in a day care
• Have worked as a direct care aide, CNA or dietary aide
• Are someone who pays attention to details and likes to stay organized
• Are flexible and able to adapt to unexpected tasks, should they be assigned
• Value communication, collaboration and being a positive team member!
• Have an interest in science!
• Enjoy problem solving and asking questions!
• Are someone who likes to, and wants to, learn!
• Have a High School Diploma, GED, or related life experience
• Are ready to build your career in animal science!

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regular physical exertion is required such as climbing, crouching, crawling, and/or lifting items up to 50 pounds. 
• Limited use of chemicals, protective measures, and/or work with heavy machinery may be required. Regular exposure to extremes in temperature, outdoor weather, and/or noise levels occurs within the work environment, and/or access to the work environment may be restricted.

Allergen Disclosure:
Due to the nature of the work performed at Taconic, employees may be exposed to allergens in the workplace, even if their positions do not involve the direct handling of animals or animal bedding. While individuals with preexisting allergies and/or asthma may be particularly sensitive to these exposures, anyone can experience a reaction.

About Us:
With a history of over 65 years of excellence, Taconic Biosciences is a global team of the best problem solvers in the industry. We partner with our clients to develop winning research strategies that accelerate the discoveries for prevention and treatment of disease.

Taconic employees all over the world show up every day to deliver the best solutions for our clients while caring for ourselves, each other, and especially our animals. If you are a respectful, compassionate individual with a can-do attitude and a desire to do the right thing, we want you to join us! 

Better Together at Taconic
Awareness, Action, & Respect. Taconic Biosciences is taking an active and intentional role in fostering a company culture that values and appreciates the uniqueness of all individuals, by promoting fairness and equity. Being you is what allows you to bring your best self to work. We are committed to making Taconic a safe and fair workplace for everyone. We are better together.  

Taconic Biosciences is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, and all other categories protected by law.